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Beware of money received from politicians
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Ms Kathleen Addy
Voters in the upcoming elections have been advised to be mindful of the source of money shared by politicians.
According to her, such monies were possibly from drug deals, human trafficking, organ trafficking, gun running which she said were negative and the country or individuals would not want to be involved with.
The Chairperson of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ms Kathleen Addy gave the advice on Wednesday at a press briefing dubbed ‘NCCE election 2024 parliamentary candidates’ dialogues.’
The dialogues are important fixtures on the commission’s election year calendar and fulfills the requirements regarding functions of the commission.
According to her, the source of most of these monies shared by politicians were questionable.
“If politicians go and take this money and come and share to you, it means as a country we now have a relationship with people who are anticipating organised crime, and the consequences are severe and dire,” she added.
She mentioned that, research had shown that, for parliamentary primaries, candidates need to raise between $200,000 and $250, 000 minimum to be able to successfully execute a parliamentary primary, adding that that money was just being shared to citizens.
Ms Addy said Ghanaians therefore have a role to play in ensuring that the culture of monitisation was expunged from the country’s political culture, and rather build strong democratic groups and set rigorous criteria for those who seek power.
That, she said will enable politicians to deliver, adding that when voters receive money, it will be difficult to vote for candidates who have the interest of the people at heart.
Touching on the dialogues, she said the commission has successfully commenced the 2024 Parliamentary Candidates’ Dialogues across the 275 constituencies in the country.
She said these dialogues were part of an ongoing commitment to foster an informed electorate and promote peaceful, issue-based elections in Ghana.
“The NCCE Parliamentary Candidates’ Dialogues (PCDs) are platforms for interaction at the constituency level and provides avenues for candidates to articulate their vision and policies for the constituency they want to lead and engage with constituents on issues of national concern.
Ms Addy said the significance of the dialogue included encouraging civic engagement, enhancing political accountability, fostering peaceful elections, strengthening democratic institutions, bridging the communication gap and gives NCCE the opportunity to remind all citizens of the role of parliamentarians.
She mentioned that some parliamentary candidates of the major political parties were refusing to participate in the dialogues, citing a plethora of excuses and described it as unfortunate.
“The NCCE is urging all political parties to ensure that their parliamentary candidates actively participate in the dialogues. It is also an opportunity to highlight the policies of the parties,” Ms Addy said.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
